Rule Blocks

Rule blocks are composed of statements that are created by using directives and arguments. There are three types of blocks.

Global block

The first block in the file. The block is considered "global" if it specifies CHECK and IGNORE statements, but no previous subtree statement. A global block pertains to all subsequent blocks.

Local block

A block that specifies CHECK and IGNORE statements as well as a subtree directive. The rules in this block pertain to files and directories found in the specified subtree.

Heir block

A block that contains a null CHECK statement, no arguments. This block inherits the global CHECK statements and global IGNORE statements.

The order in which CHECK and IGNORE statements appear in blocks is important. The CHECK and IGNORE statements are processed in the order in which they are read, with later statements overriding earlier statements.

Subtree specifications must appear one per line. Each specification must begin with an absolute path name. Optionally, each specification can be followed by pattern-matching arguments.

When a file being tracked belongs to more than one subtree directive, the resolution is performed by doing the following:

• Applying the CHECK and IGNORE statements set in a global block. Note that all CHECK and IGNORE statements are processed in order.

• Finding the last subtree directive that matches the file.

• Processing the CHECK and IGNORE statements that belong to the last matching subtree directive. These statements are processed in the order in which they are read, overriding global settings.